New England Patriots - NESN.com
Mac Jones made the most of an early opportunity to play for his new team. His starting stint may already be over.
Reports last week indicated that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy would miss two to five weeks with a turf toe injury. Despite that longer timeline, the incumbent starter was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice.
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Wednesday, via 95.7 The Game, that Purdy has a chance to return for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Jones’ Week 2 performance may give the 49ers a reason not to rush back Purdy. The former New England Patriots starter registered 279 yards and three touchdowns in a 26-21 win over the New Orleans Saints.
Pro Football Focus noted that Jones completed seven of 12 passes for 121 yards, three touchdowns and a 132.3 passer rating on third downs. Star edge rusher Nick Bosa liked what he saw from Jones last Sunday, per KNBR.
“I think his poise,” Bosa said Wednesday on what impressed him about Jones. “I think he was kind of excited to start out, overthrowing a little bit, probably because he’s so pumped up to be out there. But he settled in and did enough for us to win.”
That doesn’t mean there’s any quarterback controversy in San Francisco once Purdy is healthy. The final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft has already taken the 49ers to a Super Bowl, averaging 8.9 yards per attempt with a 104.5 career quarterback rating.
While Jones’ strong play could encourage a more conservative approach to Purdy’s recovery, the 49ers are also preparing for a pivotal Week 3 clash between two undefeated NFC West squads.
